Get on the Water TODAY!

Hobie Fishing Kayak Buyer’s Guide

Fri. 01.12.2017

Every kayak is a compromise. There is no one boat that fits everyone, or is perfect for each fishing trip. The right one for you depends mainly on two things: your body size and shape and the use you plan to put the kayak to.

Every Hobie kayak comes ready to fish from the factory, but some are more ‘fishy’ than others. We’re listing those below. Scroll down now if you can’t wait to see.
The current fleet offers deck plans with space to mount rod holders and electronics, hatches big enough to stash extra tackle, and spacious above-deck cargo areas in the stern, the ideal place for an H-Crate storage system or Hobie Livewell. If you would like to investigate all of the Storage Options available on the Hobie Kayak click here. If you would like to see all the Ram Mounts, Rod holders and H- Rail attachments click here. And finally you may wish to check out the range of fishfinders and mounts available for the Hobie Kayaks by clicking here.

A Matter of Size?!

Now back to the size question. It’s obvious. Bigger people need bigger kayaks. Whether you’re tall or a bit husky, make sure to sit in the cockpit of any Hobie you’re considering. Try out the different Vantage seats. All are comfortable, with industry-leading adjustability. The ST and XT seats that outfit the Pro Angler series are larger and taller.

Don’t forget to check the kayak’s capacity. Take your weight, estimate your gear load, and add in a few pounds for the fish you’ll catch. It’ll help you decide whether a Mirage Outback (400-pound capacity) or a larger Mirage Pro Angler 14 (600-pound capacity) is a better choice.

A smaller person will fit in just about any kayak. A big boat can still be a mismatch. In this case it can be too much of a good thing.

What’s in a Shape?

There are compact boats, deliberately built short. Others are long and slender, or somewhere in between. Hobie’s flagship models feature the MirageDrive 180, an elegantly engineered and time-tested pedal drive that offers a slew of advantages such as the ability to access shallow water. We also have kayaks you paddle. Let’s not forget the inflatables, and the magnificent Hobie Mirage Adventure Island and The Hobie Mirage Tandem Island, trimarans with a sail that work in conjunction with the MirageDrive and are not only fantastic for trolling, they allow you travel further afield to the perfect fishing ground.

A long, 13- to 16-foot kayak such as the Mirage Revolution 16 is at home on the open sea or a large lake, where it's length will help it glide over swells and chop and keep a steady course. The same boat will have a harder time of handling the sharp turns of a narrow, twisting river backwater. It’s a good idea to match your Hobie kayak to your intended use.

In general, shorter kayaks such as the Mirage Sport are easier to turn and pivot but aren’t as efficient for covering long distances. Longer boats such as the Mirage Revolution 13 hold a straighter course. Wider boats such as the Pro Anglers feel stable and support more weight, whereas narrower boats glide with less effort.

Without further ado, let’s look at Hobie’s fishiest models:

Mirage Pro Angler Series

The Pro Angler Series is made up of Hobie’s most fully-featured fishing battlewagons, powered by the reversible MirageDrive 180 – a force of nature. Available in 12- or 13-foot models, each comes with impressive stability – plenty for standing and casting. The size and high weight capacities make room for plenty of gear, stashed in the horizontal rod lockers, a cockpit tackle management system, inside the voluminous front hatch or in the expansive storage area. Bring the whole quiver. Let’s not forget the industry-leading Vantage ST seating system, the most adjustable and comfortable on the market. Rig these babies to the hilt without breaking out a drill with the clever H-Rail accessory system. Comes Lowrance ready for your sonar.

Mirage Outback

The Mirage Outback matches confident stability with nimble maneuverability. It’s a fishing powerhouse, with four moulded-in rod holders, handy gunwale storage trays, an expansive bow hatch and roomy aft storage area – ideal for an accessory Livewell or H-Crate storage system. Powered by the MirageDrive 180 – an engineering marvel – the Outback is the perfect size for surf launching, rolling to rugged put-ins, or racing to and from tournament fishing sites. Do it comfortably; the Outback is outfitted with the amazing Vantage CT seating system. Comes Lowrance ready for your sonar.

Mirage Compass

Everything you need, nothing you don’t, the Mirage Compass is a fishing kayak distilled to its essence. It runs nearly hands-free on the MirageDrive with Glide Technology. The lighter weight hull design is a comfortable blend of sporty maneuverability and rock-solid stability. Storage options include a mesh covered forward storage area, large aft storage well, and central 8-inch Twist and Seal hatch. The breathable mesh seat provides all-day comfort. Fishing features include moulded-in rod holders, H-Track accessory mounts and a transducer cavity ready for you to install a Lowrance® fishfinder.

Mirage Revolution Series

The Mirage Revolution series – the 11, 13, and stretched-out 16 – is Hobie’s stable of speed demons. These svelte fishing kayaks powered by the reversing MirageDrive 180 race through waves – or to that spot of breaking fish. They are also relatively lightweight. Each comes with dual molded-in rod holders, a roomy bow storage area, a spacious aft storage well, and the ever-comfortable and adjustable Vantage CT seating system. The 13 and 16 are outfitted with the Lowrance Ready sonar mounting system.

Mirage Sport

The compact Mirage Sport shines in pocket water. Its easy 9’7” length is simple to transport and store. It is Hobie’s lightest weight rigid rotomolded fishing kayak powered by the marvelous MirageDrive 180. In short, it’s a friendly ride ideal for carefree fishing outings. The Sport comes with dual molded-in rod holders and room in the back for a handy H-Crate or even a Livewell.

Mirage Inflatable Series

Mirage Inflatable Series kayaks are made for easy storage and transport. But these are no pool toys; they feature inflatable drop stitch hulls with superior rigidity that rivals the performance of Hobie’s rotomolded plastic models. In particular, the Inflatable 11’s low profile hull is a fishing standout. They don’t stint on features; each boasts a MirageDrive 180 and multi-adjustable Vantage CTi seating system. Rod holders can be added as accessories.

Mirage Adventure Island/ Mirage Tandem Island

The sail- and MirageDrive 180 powered Adventure and Tandem Island are Hobie’s most stable and fastest fishing platforms. Outfitted with accessory trampolines, it is also Hobie’s most spacious. The Adventure Island and Tandem Island crave big water and big game. Fishing features include dual molded-in rod holders and the Lowrance Ready sonar installation system. There’s secure storage in a bow hatch and two 8-inch Twist and Seal rounds, and additional storage in the aft well. This hybrid design – it features two ama outriggers – is equipped with the outstanding Vantage CT seating system.

Once you have narrowed down your options you can now try out the kayaks at The Hobie Centre Poole. Call us on 01202 671661 and tell us the options you are looking at and we will get you out on the water for a demonstration. We will also be able to give you expert advice on how to kit your kayak out and there is a free installation service on all accessories fitted to new Hobie kayaks.